Gamers set for biggest Global Game Jam

Schoolchildren are being urged to join forces with an army of 28,000 gamers worldwide aiming to create a video game in 48 hours.

Glyndŵr University is hosting the largest Global Game Jam gathering in Wales at its Centre for the Creative Industries, Wrexham, on Friday January 29.

The goal is to bring anyone with an interest in video games together and attempt to make a computer game from start to finish within a strict 48 hour period.

Adults and children aged seven and over are being invited to join in as the university looks to grow the event in Wrexham, which saw a team of 46 jammers combine last year to make 18 unique games.

The jam is traditionally launched by a keynote speaker, which this year will be Chris Payne, lead programmer at Travellers Tales Games.

Chris has worked on a series of Lego franchise video games including Lego Jurassic World, Lego Harry Potter, Lego Lord of the Rings, Lego Dimensions and Lego Batman.

Rich Hebblewhite, senior lecturer in computing at Glyndŵr University, said: “As well as being a leading developer, Chris is a keen game jammer and will be sharing his experiences and offering advice to this year’s participants.

“We want to bring people together from all backgrounds and encourage creative thinking to result in small but innovative and experimental games.

“As well as being great fun for children, the Game Jam has massive educational potential as well and it would be great to get more young people involved.

“And we wouldn’t discourage anyone else either - the Global Game Jam is designed to accommodate people from all backgrounds and skill levels. Absolutely no previous experience is necessary,” added Rich.

“There were 28,800 game jammers across the world last year who dedicated a staggering development time of more than 850,000 hours to the cause and we want to beat that if we can.”

Following registration from 4pm on Friday January 29 the theme for this year’s game jam will be revealed at 5pm.

Chris Payne’s keynote talk will be followed by a brainstorming session before work begins on game creation before the deadline of 5pm on Sunday January 31.